Transparency data

Consumer Forum meeting notes: 10 February 2026

Published 13 March 2026

Meeting date: 10 February 2026

Venue: In the Cabot, London, and by videoconference

CMA representatives

• Sarah Cardell (Chair), Chief Executive Officer

• Doug Gurr, Interim Chair

• Juliette Enser, Executive Director for Competition Enforcement and Markets

• Emma Cochrane, Emma Cochrane, Acting Executive Director for Consumer Protection

Members present

• Ruwani Purcell, Director of External Affairs, Citizens Advice

• Helen Undy OBE, Chief Executive, Money and Mental Health Policy Institute

• Sam Ghibaldan, Chief Executive, Consumer Scotland

• Philippa McKeown-Brown, Acting Director of Strategy and Emerging Markets Consumer Council for Northern Ireland

• Rocio Concha, Director of Policy and Advocacy, and Chief Economist Which?

CMA observers

• Anthony Wright, Senior Director of Engagement and Communication

• Vlada Aikman, Director of Stakeholder Engagement

• Paul Kellaway, Head of Stakeholder Engagement and Events

• Krishna Mistry, Deputy Head of Events

Apologies

• Derek Mitchell, Chief Executive, Citizens Advice Scotland

Agenda

1. Welcome, introductions, and opening remarks by the Chair

The Chair welcomed Forum Members and CMA colleagues, thanked participants for their ongoing engagement, and outlined the agenda. The Chair highlighted the Forum’s role as part of its strategy by shaping the CMA’s approach to boosting consumer confidence to help drive economic growth and improve household prosperity and encouraged an open discussion.

2. Terms of reference

The Forum discussed the draft Terms of Reference, highlighting in particular the importance of operating in an open and transparent manner. The members placed particular importance on collaboration in addressing emerging consumer issues in all parts of the United Kingdom. This includes sharing key discussion points with the Government and making them available publicly.

It was agreed that the finalised Terms of Reference would be published alongside a summary note of the meeting.

3. Dentistry

The CMA set out its approach to develop the scope of potential work on private dentistry and requested members to share any existing evidence or insights on the private dentistry market.

The Forum were supportive of the proposed work and discussed the impact of outcomes in this market. The members noted the focus on private dentistry while acknowledging links to NHS services. Members observed that consumer experiences, price transparency, and access to dentists would vary across the four nations of the United Kingdom and between urban and rural areas.

The CMA encouraged Members to share any further insights to help shape the scope of the work.

4. CMA Draft Annual Plan for 2026 to 2027

The CMA set out its approach to the first Draft Annual Plan under its new multi-year strategy. The importance of engagement with stakeholders was a core part of both the strategy and the draft annual plan.

Members suggested topics for further consideration – in relation to the Annual Plan and more generally – including the potential impact of AI on consumers and noted that elements of essential spend would differ across the four nations, such as in relation to off-grid energy sources.

Members discussed the consumer protection landscape and the CMA’s approach to consumer law enforcement.

Members were supportive of the CMA sharing consumer facing messages and were open to using their respective channels to amplify these.

5. Chair’s summary and close

The Chair thanked all participants for their contributions. Members confirmed their enthusiasm to continue regular engagement with the CMA.

The Chair closed the meeting.